REAL ESTATE : Permits Drop:

Building permits for multifamily residential units--that’s apartments and condos in English--dropped a hefty 30% in the county during the first 10 months of 1989. There were 7,200 permits issued compared to 10,300 in 1988, according to the Construction Industry Research Board.

That’s good news for apartment owners, who have seen vacancy rates rise and profits decline in the last few years.

Compiled by Michael Flagg / Times staff writer